A BUSINESS breakfast in Warrington helped kick-start a series of meetings across Cheshire to share tips on how small firms can combat cybercrime.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer has joined forces with the North West Cyber Resilience Centre (NWCRC) to launch the breakfast events, where the latest tips on staying cyber-secure are shared.
The average annual cost of a cyber attack to a small business can be nearly £8,500, so these events are an opportunity for the business community to hear directly from the NWCRC about what they can do to prevent cyber attacks and the work that is going on behind the scenes to tackle cyber criminals.
The cybercrime business breakfasts are being held in partnership with local groups and events with Warrington Business Exchange and the North Cheshire Chamber of Commerce have already been well-received.
Mr Dwyer said: “Tackling business crime and cybercrime are both part of my Police and Crime Plan. I committed to holding these events and it’s great to see local businesses coming away with greater knowledge and the tools to keep their data, their customers and their livelihoods safe.
“Many businesses may think that because nothing has happened, they are safe. Nothing could be further from the truth. One mistake can be so costly, but it’s never too late to be properly prepared and I implore all businesses to make sure their processes and security systems are fit-for-purpose.”
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022 revealed that only 17 per cent of business provided training for staff not already involved in cyber security. While this is up from 14 per cent last year, the figure shows how a lack of knowledge can lead to mistakes that open the door to security breaches.
At the business breakfast events, Detective Inspector Dan Giannasi, head of Cyber and Innovation at the NWCRC, has been delivering the latest advice and tips for preventing cyber attacks. He has also been sharing the tactics and trends that the police are seeing from cybercriminals and how the NWCRC can support local businesses.
He said: “Cyber attacks pose a huge risk to the small business community and can have devastating effects, both financially and emotionally. Small businesses often don’t have access to cyber security services, so the Cyber Resilience Centre offers a range of resources and guidance as part of our free membership.
“We also provide professional and affordable services like security awareness training and simulated phishing exercises to help protect your business.”
Events across Cheshire will be advertised by organisations representing local businesses in their area. For more information about the cybercrime business breakfasts, email [email protected].
For more information about the NWCRC and information on staying cyber-secure, go to: www.nwcrc.co.uk
